To Invest or Not to Invest: Are Maternity Photos Worth It?

March 20, 2018

I have so many expecting mothers debate whether or not they want maternity photos taken. Of course, I say, “Absolutely! Do them!” My job as a maternity photographer is to find beauty. Some common reasons for not wanting maternity photos I hear are:

“Arg, I just hate the way I look!”

“I’m so huge! I don’t want to remember this!”

“I don’t feel pretty.”

Those are all valid points BUT, I don’t accept them, haha! I believe every woman blessed to carry a child should celebrate that journey. My goal as a photographer in any setting is to tell a story. Creating a human and carrying that human for 40 weeks is a beautiful and story worth telling. You may not feel model status during pregnancy but, looking back, you’ll want to remember your radiant glow of motherhood.

You might be thinking, “Sheesh, does she hear how cheesy she sounds?!”

The answer is yes. Yes, I do. I am very well aware of my passionate and sentimental view on motherhood!

I especially loved my session with momma Emily! She is no stranger to a camera. We’ve worked together before on a wedding. I was photographer with Emily as videographer. It was so fun working with her and capturing her pregnancy story before her little one arrives. This bump will be her second child and she talked about her growing family with the biggest smile! I am super excited for her family to welcome a new bundle of joy in a few short weeks!

Don’t believe me? Here are some thoughts about maternity photos from some real live mommas when asked, “Is it worth it?”

“Yes! You want to remember how beautiful you are pregnant ❤️plus it’ll be fun for kids to look back and see them in your tummy ” -Alexa

“I wish I had because I have a total of 2 awful pictures of me being pregnant and that’s over 2 pregnancies!” -Dalton

“I struggled to get and stay pregnant and have struggled with both since so I am so, so, so happy I have them because they may never happen again.” -Katie

“I didn’t want to do them, but we got them done a week before little man was born and I’m so glad I did!” -Nohemi

“I totally regret that we never did them” – Juli

Maternity photos are a celebration! If you’re pregnant with your first, these photos will be the last time you could be alone, haha! The last time before little fingers were shoved under the bathroom door while you’re trying to have a quiet personal moment. The last time before you were pooped, peed and vomited on (all in one day!)

My top 10 reasons why you SHOULD schedule a maternity session:

10. You’re only pregnant with this child once.

9. You deserve to feel pretty and pampered.

8. Pregnancy is a celebration.

7. It’s not everyday you put on a gorgeous gown and do your hair! All my maternity clients have full access to my closet of maternity gowns. I mean, who wants to buy a super expensive gown to wear ONE time!

6. For posterity.

5. You’ll regret it if you don’t. You can’t go back in time!

4. Freeze these moments in time.

3. Who doesn’t love pretty photos of themselves?! For those who might feel awkward in front of the camera, it’s MY job as your photographer to help you feel comfortable and direct you during your session. It will be painless!

2. If you already have children, you’ll want to include them in your session to remember those sweet moments before baby sibling joined the family.